befana

Befana

European - A benevolent spirit in Italy. She was said to be too busy to go with the Magi when they travelled to Bethlehem and later got lost when she tried to find her own way there. Every year she looks in vain for the baby Jesus but leaves presents at each house she visits. An alternative version says that she was too busy to entertain the Magi who were on their way to Jerusalem but would do so on their return. In the event, they went home by a different route and she missed them. She looks out for them every year on Twelfth Night but never finds them. At times, known as Befana, beffana, beffana, befana or befana.